March 25, 2009 Open until filled

Job Title: Environmental Justice Coordinator
Location: New Orleans, LA Hours: Full-time

In the aftermath of shutting down the Chef Menteur landfill, MQVN CDC has identified three campaigns including Chef Menteur Landfill Remediation Project, Sustainable Recycling & Debris Management Campaign, and Illegal Dumpsites Campaign.

Chef Menteur Landfill Remediation Project::

This goal of the campaign is to remove Katrina related debris from the now-closed Chef Menteur dumpsite. The site is adjacent to the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuge and is hydraulically connected to a nearby canal that local residents use to irrigate their gardens. This project will document social, economic and environmental effects of the landfill and establish dialogue with the landfill operator, landowners and the community.

? Monitor closure process proposed by Waste Management and all state-related permits.
? Maintain relationships amongst community leaders, local businesses and stakeholders within the area and sustain a working broad-based coalition when necessary about remediation efforts.
? Compile case studies on successful landfill remediation and produce a report that will provide data for local stakeholders about the cost and benefits of the Chef Menteur landfill.
? Assist the organizing team in conducting environmental impact project analysis and educating local community members and stakeholders on research findings.
? Identify source of contaminants from Chef Menteur and surrounding dumpsites.
? Compile and distribute popular education materials about community’s landfill campaign and ongoing solutions

Sustainable Recycling & Debris Management Campaign:

In the aftermath of Katrina, communities surrounding New Orleans were left without a comprehensive plan to manage the demolition of 150,000 flood-damaged homes. The Sustainable Recycling Campaign will help the entire City and the State to create a blueprint for managing future and existing construction debris with an emphasis on reusing, reducing and recycling waste streams.

? Assess existing recycling infrastructure in New Orleans
? Direct a technical feasibility study to analyze the needs and benefits of Greater New Orleans regarding integrated waste management
? Develop popular educational materials regarding sustainable technology and healthy eco-systems
? Work with the New Orleans City Council Task Force for Integrated Waste Management, Office of Recovery and Development Authority and incoming developers interested in alternative disposal methods to landfills
? Identify a potential recycling industry suitable for New Orleans in preparing for disasters.
? Continue to work with local, state and federal officials in creating a Regional Debris Management Plan through a Federal Advisory Committee

Illegal Dumpsites Campaign:
New Orleans East has historically been the illegal dumpsite for the City throughout the past 30 years. Recent aerial footage has revealed an area of 7,000 acres in New Orleans East that includes illegal disposal facilities that take in commercial, construction, demolition and hazardous waste materials. This campaign seeks to organize community members, politicians, local enforcement and the New Orleans Regional Business Park to establish a community-led watchdog program to combat illegal dumping in New Orleans East.

? Provide an analysis of remediation strategies for New Orleans East
? Continue to identify and document ongoing violators and irresponsible landowners as well as engage stakeholders to invest in remediation strategies of New Orleans East
? Identify legal and environmental solutions to remediation of illegal dumpsites
? Assemble coalition of residents, businesses and stakeholders and identify preventative tools such as possible Community Benefits Agreements with the New Orleans Regional Business Park
? Identify legal and environmental solutions to stop dumping at Old Gentilly landfill
? Educate stakeholders about effects of dumping in Old Gentilly and New Orleans East.

Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree
o Experience in community organizing
o Knowledge about environmental justice issues
o Commitment to social and environmental justice
o Cultural competency and willingness to work in diverse communities
o Willingness to travel
o Ability to work independently and problem solve
o Strong oral and written communication skills
o Works well with others

If interested, please email resume to marytran@mqvncdc.org